Poloxamer, also known as poloxalene and Pluronic, is a family of synthetic block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. It is available in multiple molecular weights and various comonomer ratios.
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to identify the polymer.
Molecular weight is determined by titration of hydroxyl endgroups. Molecular weight can also be determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC).
Comonomer content (ethylene oxide to propylene oxide) is determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR).
Heavy metals content is determined by USP <231> or USP <233>.
Limit of free ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and 1,4 dioxane is determined by Gas Chromatography (GC).
pH is determined potentiometrically.
Each test requires different amounts of material. Generally, we can perform the necessary analysis with less than one gram.
We have many years of experience testing to monographs as well as performing custom methods.